Pointing out that the Karthigai Deepam was lit at the usual place at Thirupparankundram in Madurai this year too, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday derided certain political parties for seeking to create unrest in the name of spirituality.
Inaugurating completed projects in Madurai, he said that while his government was concerned about the State’s growth and progress, some political parties always thought about creating unrest, hoping to hamper development. He said that on December 3, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department had, in accordance with tradition, lit the Karthigai Deepam of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple at the ‘Deepa Mandapam’ of the Uchchipillayar Temple.
“The local people and true devotees know all this very well. They had darshan peacefully and then returned home. So, what for a controversy is being created? What is the intention of the group trying to create this problem? The people understand all of this very clearly,” he said.
Mr. Stalin said spirituality is meant to ensure the peace of mind and unity among people. It should be used to do good to others. “But creating divisions in society for the political gains of a few individuals is not spirituality. That is politics, and, that too, the worst kind of cheap politics,” he said.
Noting that his government had consecrated more than 3,000 temples, he said that if such a government was branded “anti-spiritual”, true devotees could clearly understand the real reason for such allegations. “Tamil Nadu will always remain a peaceful State that celebrates righteousness,” he said, adding that the people of Madurai would welcome development and drive away the “riot-mongering gang”.
“Our opponents may create obstacles from Delhi; they may trigger financial crises; they may place hurdles through the Governor. Despite all this, Tamil Nadu has achieved unprecedented economic growth and become No.1 State in India,” he said.
Claiming that the political opponents were unable to digest this journey of growth, he alleged, “That is why you keep concocting conspiracies. However you bowl, as far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, the shot will always be a six. Some slaves may get trapped to suit your team — old slaves may recruit new slaves and form a ‘B’ team or ‘C’ team. But at the end, the champion of the tournament will still be us.”
Mr. Stalin unveiled numerous completed projects, including the Mullaperiyar drinking water project for Madurai city, gave away house site pattas, financial assistance to self-help groups and farmers.
He said his ‘Dravida model’ of governance was followed by many other States in the country, and many nations were watching “our development programmes closely”. Unable to stomach the popularity of the government, the political opponents refused to give funds, thinking that the people would suffer. “It will not happen as long as I am here,” he said. The DMK government, he said, practised social justice and equality, which had been the identity of the State as “all are equal” in the land of ‘Periyar’ (E.V. Ramasamy).
Listing the development projects initiated in Madurai, such as the Kalaignar Centenary Library, the jallikattu arena, and the hockey ground, he questioned what happened to the Centre’s AIIMS, for which the foundation was laid in 2019. The Union government also refused to sanction funds for the Madurai Metro Rail project, citing baseless reasons, he said, adding that its intention appeared to be that “only the States governed by the BJP or its allies should get funds”.
Ministers K.N. Nehru, K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, E.V. Velu, Thangam Thennarasu, KR Periakaruppan, R.S. Rajakannappan, P. Moorthy, and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan; MPs Su. Venkatesan, Manickam Tagore, and Thanga Tamil Selvan; and MLAs G. Thalapathi, Boominathan and A Venkatesan took part at the function.
Madurai Collector K. J. Praveen Kumar delivered the welcome address. Madurai Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan and senior officials of various government departments were present. District Revenue Officer K. Anbalagan proposed a vote of thanks.
Published – December 07, 2025 09:47 pm IST
